Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Spring Cleaning the Classroom

It is that time of year, again. Towards the end of the year, I start getting anxious for the next year and start to think what I could do to improve. Starting things ahead of time, will allow me time to get out all the "kinks" since I still have students to test my new ideas on. The following is how I have kept busy...

Thanks to the inspiration of Mama Jenn, I revamped my Calendar Math area. I lack bulletin board area in the front of my classroom, so I used corkboard (from Hobby Lobby) and covered it with cloth. Then placed it over the white board to create a makeshift bulletin board.

Underneath the Calendar Math area, I have added a Nonfiction section to my classroom library. I used to store all my books in boxes and told myself I would regularly switch them out. Unfortunately, I would find excuses as to why I couldn't switch them out, so I decided I would try to put all of the books out. The kids love this section.

Also pictured above is my new Reading/Writing Easel. I am in LOVE! I took on a second job teaching morning tutoring and Saturday school so I could purchase it. Arriving to school at 6am everyday was totally worth it!

Fiction Picture Book Section

Above is my Fiction Picture book section. Collecting those blue containers from Dollar Trees was no easy task. I still need more to accommodate all my books. So for now, this will have to do. All of the books have stickers on the cover that match the sign.

Fiction Book Area

I have decided that next year, I am going to use more of the Sterlite Plastic Shelves because they are easy to assemble and store. I think my days of buying bookshelves are over. I purchased white and gray, but I think I like the gray ones better. I may just spray paint the white or use it somewhere else since it looks out of place.

My camera was not cooperating. I was only able to get 3 shots before it stopped working. When I get a new camera, I will post more pics from different angles. My library has actually changed since I last took these pics.....ha....a teacher's work is never done =)

16 comments:

Hi, I would love to clean my room out. But you know, "I just might need that". I have been teaching first grade for a very long time. I have shelves and shelves of books. Now I have WON a new Smart Board! So some of my shelves have to go....Still have no idea what I am going to do....Keep up your great work! It is so appreciated. Your room looks great!!Gail

Hi! I just found your blog! I love the makeover! Not sure I could commit to 6:00 a.m. at school - I am still snoring at that time. Can't wait to look around.Stop by my blog sometime. I also teach first grade, but I am in NC.

I love the organization you have for you books. I have usually turned my books facing forward when they are in a container. I like the way that your are turned sideways, which would allow more room for the containers. Do the children pull the container out or are they able to pick their book the way they are?

Thanks! Geez, organizing that library is a never-ending process. No, the kids aren't allowed to pull out the containers (I want them to last awhile). They just flip through the books and pick one they like. At first I had them facing forward, but I wasn't able to fit very many bins.